So a number of propositions in Arizona aimed at gutting children’s healthcare and early education failed to pass. Arizonans may have elected Republicans nearly across the board, but they voted against robbing Peter to pay Paul – at least when Peter happens to be a a bunch of low-income children and Paul is the Arizona state legislature.
That means we’re going to have a budget shortfall of about $900,000,000.00 and change. That’s a big number, and quite a bit bigger than what the legislature was hoping for. But it’s also important to note that Arizona has relatively low taxes compared to a lot of states – not the lowest, to be sure, but far from the top. With a population of 6,595,778 people (in 2009) you could theoretically levy just $136 of new taxes on all Arizonans (I know, I know, that population includes kids so it would equal a bit more, and obviously it’s going to be income contingent, etc. but this is a thought exercise so just bear with me). $136 dollars in new taxes on every Arizonan would cover the shortfall without gutting public conservation lands or childhood education and healthcare, and honestly I can’t see how an extra $136 a head would seriously disrupt the economy or drive away investment or businesses or have much if any impact on job growth.
